The collection reveals a great deal about Barney Spott's involvement with veterans' organizations and veterans' affairs. There are some personal papers, but few professional or business documents. PERSONAL PAPERS consist of a file including biographical sketches; an obituary; military papers and passes; newsclippings, a campaign card, and copies of legislative bills introduced by Spott while in the Legislature; and Spott's typewritten memoirs of his meeting with Paderewski. Family records include a small book in which were recorded the birth dates of Spott and his brothers and sisters, with death dates and other information added later; a more recent list of family birthdates; a copy of Albert Spott's certificate of naturalization, Albert (i.e. Wojciech) and Veronica (Weronika) Spott's record of church contributions, and holy cards from the funeral services of several relatives. There are numerous photographs present in the collection, some of which picture Spott during World War I, and others which portray his military comrades and associates, relatives, and friends. Most of the photographs illustrate veterans' activities, such as parades and reunions, but there are several photographs of Barney and Olga Spott throughout their lives. Some of the photos are identified and dated.
While serving with the Polish Army Barney Spott kept a journal of his activities and duties, thereby providing an interesting description of his work as secretary and military aide and of the European cities and countries which he visited. In addition, there is a file of postcards written, but not mailed, by Spott while in Europe.
Other personal papers include Spott's personal and business tax returns from the 1950s until the time of his death, and two folders of draft notes and reference material used in preparing speeches, eulogies, and introductory remarks presented by Spott at veterans' and other civic gatherings. According to his son, Spott always carefully prepared his remarks prior to the event, but learned to deliver them in an impromptu manner. He was able to speak both English and Polish.
Spott's RECORDS OF VETERANS' AND CIVIC GROUPS consist of files, 1932-1971, of general correspondence, primarily concerning veterans' affairs; and correspondence, administrative records, jubilee and anniversary programs, tax returns, and news clippings illustrating his involvement with the Polish Army Veteran Association, Post #3. There are similar, although smaller, files concerning the Polish Legion of American Veterans Post #11, General Haan Post #234 of the American Legion, and the Americanization League of America. Spott kept sizable files of news clippings, in English and in Polish, concerning Milwaukee and general veterans' groups, activities, and interests; the most significant of these have been retained. There are several clippings concerning the post-World War I activities of General Haller, and his visits to the United States. Also of interest are the affidavits and correspondence prepared or secured by Barney Spott from the Polish Consulate for Milwaukee Polish Americans. This file not only reveals Spott's active role in assisting members of the Polish community, but provides information concerning those who wished to secure citizenship papers, passports, and other legal documents.
A microfilmed Scrapbook, 1924-1970, compiled by Barney Spott, includes news clippings, and scattered correspondence, photographs, and financial documents regarding veterans and veterans' affairs.
